Experiencing back of shoulder pain? Common symptoms of back shoulder pain include pain and tenderness, limited range of motion, and numbness or tingling, which can help identify underlying issues.
We’ll discuss common symptoms, offer home remedies, and guide you on when to seek professional help.
Anatomy of the Shoulder
The shoulder is a marvel of anatomical engineering, comprising three main bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). This intricate structure is held together by the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that are crucial for shoulder movement and stability.
The shoulder consists of two primary joints: the acromioclavicular joint, where the clavicle meets the acromion of the scapula, and the glenohumeral joint, a ball-and-socket joint formed where the head of the humerus fits into the shallow glenoid cavity of the scapula.
Unlike the hip joint, the glenohumeral joint is shallow, allowing for a greater range of motion but also making it more susceptible to injuries in the shoulder socket.
Common Causes of Back of Shoulder Pain
Identifying the common causes of back shoulder pain is crucial for effective treatment. Various factors can lead to shoulder pain, including:
- Muscle strain
- Overuse
- Rotator cuff tears
- Osteoarthritis
Let’s dive into the specific causes that contribute to this discomfort.
1. Rotator Cuff Problems
Rotator cuff problems are a common source of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff comprises tendons from four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. A rotator cuff problem, rotator cuff tears, inflammation (called rotator cuff tendinitis), and impingement often cause significant discomfort.
Symptoms include pain when lifting the arm, moving it backward, and even while sleeping. These conditions can cause pain ranging from mild to intense, affecting the shoulder joint and upper arm bone.
2. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa in the shoulder joint become irritated or inflamed. Repetitive overhead activities often cause shoulder impingement, leading to pain and stiffness. Common activities that increase the risk of impingement include swimming, tennis, and painting ceilings.
Shoulder blade pain can be debilitating, hindering everyday tasks and affecting the shoulder blades, often accompanied by a crushing pain and causing those who suffer to experience pain.
3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness and restricted movement in the shoulder joint, leading to significant pain. Frozen shoulder progresses through three phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing, each lasting several months.
Frozen shoulder’s intense pain and limited motion can severely impact daily activities, requiring prompt treatment to prevent long-term complications.
4. Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis involves the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint. Inflammation can cause significant pain and tenderness, particularly around the shoulder blade. Repetitive motions and direct trauma to the shoulder joint are common causes.
Shoulder bursitis can lead to intense shoulder pain, making it challenging to move the arm or perform daily tasks.
5. Postural Imbalances
Postural imbalances, such as rounded shoulders and forward head posture, can lead to back shoulder pain. Poor shoulder posture puts additional stress on the shoulder and upper back muscles, causing pain and discomfort.
Proper sitting and standing posture prevents these issues. Practice good posture to alleviate and prevent shoulder pain.
6. Scapular Dyskinesis (Abnormal Scapula Movement)
Scapular dyskinesis refers to the abnormal movement of the shoulder blade, which can cause significant back shoulder pain. This condition often results from poor shoulder posture and improper shoulder blade motion. Factors contributing to scapular dyskinesis include muscle imbalances, previous injuries, and repetitive motions.
Proper shoulder motion helps avoid this painful condition.
7. Muscle Strains and Overuse
Muscle strains and overuse are leading causes of back shoulder pain. Repetitive activities wear down the muscles and tendons supporting the shoulder. Chronic tendinitis and painful overuse injuries can result from these strains.
Common activities that strain shoulder muscles include heavy lifting, sports, and manual labor.
8. Nerve Impingement or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Nerve impingement in the shoulder area can cause intense shoulder pain. Thoracic outlet syndrome compresses nerves or blood vessels, causing pain radiating from the shoulder to the arms nerve injury and neck.
Prompt attention is necessary to prevent long-term damage and alleviate upper back pain.
9. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, often affects the shoulder joint. The breakdown of cartilage leads to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the shoulder include pain in the back of the shoulder, particularly during movement.
Managing arthritis pain effectively is crucial for maintaining shoulder function.
10. Trauma or Injury
Trauma or injury, such as accidents, falls, or direct blows to the shoulder, can cause severe pain. Fractures, shoulder dislocations, and rotator cuff injuries are common results of such events and are among the causes of shoulder pain occurs. These acute injury events lead to significant pain patterns and can result in a severe injury that requires immediate medical attention to prevent long-term complications.
Symptoms of Back of Shoulder Pain
Symptoms vary from mild discomfort to sudden pain and severe pain, often triggered by specific movements or activities, including called referred pain.
1. Pain and Tenderness
Pain and tenderness often localize around the shoulder blade or scapula. This pain can be sharp, dull ache, or aching, exacerbated by certain movements or pressure. Tenderness to the touch is also a common indicator, signaling inflammation or injury in the muscles and tendons.
2. Limited Range of Motion
Limited range of motion is a significant symptom. Difficulty moving the shoulder or arm, especially when reaching behind the back, can indicate underlying issues. This limitation affects overhead tasks and daily activities, highlighting the importance of proper shoulder motion and a wide range of motion.
3. Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness often accompanies shoulder pain, impacting the shoulder and upper back muscles. This weakness makes lifting objects or engaging in daily tasks challenging. Instability and poor posture further exacerbate the pain, creating a cycle of discomfort and dysfunction.
4. Swelling or Inflammation
Swelling or inflammation is a visible sign of shoulder issues. Inflammation around the joint causes increased discomfort, stiffness, and pain.
Recognizing these signs early helps reduce inflammation and prevent further complications.
5. Numbness or Tingling Sensation
Numbness or tingling in the shoulder area can indicate nerve impingement. These symptoms often radiate to the arm or neck, signaling potential neurological involvement.
Persistent symptoms require medical advice to seek treatment and prevent long-term damage.
6. Stiffness or Tightness
Shoulder stiffness or tightness can significantly affect mobility. This symptom impacts daily activities like dressing and lifting, creating significant pain and discomfort. Chronic tightness often results from muscle imbalances or past injuries, requiring targeted interventions.
7. Pain That Worsens with Specific Movements
Certain movements can worsen shoulder pain. Overhead motions, heavy lifting, and repetitive movements can intensify the pain. Understanding these pain patterns aids in effective treatment and injury prevention.
Diagnosing Back of Shoulder Pain
Diagnostic methods include physical exams, patient history, and radiological imaging such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs. These tests help confirm whether the pain is related to the shoulder joint, rotator cuff, or referred from other areas, aiding in shoulder diagnosis.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.
Home Remedies to Relieve Pain
Home remedies can alleviate mild shoulder pain and prevent further aggravation, helping shoulder pain. Resting the shoulder and modifying activities promote healing and treat shoulder pain.
A cold compress reduces swelling and numbs sharp pain, while heat therapy relaxes tense muscles and alleviates stiffness. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can help lessen inflammation and relieve shoulder pain.
Professional Treatments for Severe Pain
Professional treatments may be necessary for severe shoulder pain. A physical therapist can provide physical therapy to restore shoulder function and reduce pain through targeted exercises. Severe rotator cuff tears may require surgical options like reverse shoulder replacement or inserting a subacromial balloon spacer.
Advanced techniques like 3D-printed shoulder implants offer customized solutions for patients with unique anatomy or significant bone damage.
Wrap Up
Shoulder pain, particularly in the back of the shoulder, can arise from various causes, including muscle strain, rotator cuff problems, impingement, and trauma.